U.S. patent application number 17/342191 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-09 for cable pull tab.
The applicant listed for this patent is Veea Inc.. Invention is credited to Shaun Joseph Greaney, Michael Liccone, Robert Migliorino, Michael Mirabella.
Application Number | 20210384675 17/342191 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005692084 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210384675 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Migliorino; Robert ; et
al. |
December 9, 2021 |
Cable Pull Tab
Abstract
Various embodiments include a connector head assembly for an
electrical cable attached to one or more receptacle connectors. The
connector head assembly may include an elongate overmold having a
longitudinal extent that is longer than a height or width thereof.
The elongate overmold may be configured to encase a terminal end of
the electrical cable coupled to the one or more receptacle
connectors inside the elongate overmold. The connector head
assembly may also include a pull tab pivotally attached to the
elongate overmold on an upper surface thereof. A pulling force
applied to the pull tab may be configured to separate the
receptacle connector from a receptacle in which the receptacle
connector is configured to be held.
Inventors: |
Migliorino; Robert; (Wayne,
NJ) ; Mirabella; Michael; (Iselin, NJ) ;
Greaney; Shaun Joseph; (Freehold, NJ) ; Liccone;
Michael; (Scotch Plains, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Veea Inc. |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005692084 |
Appl. No.: |
17/342191 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
63036241 |
Jun 8, 2020 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/6335 20130101;
H01R 13/501 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/633 20060101
H01R013/633; H01R 13/50 20060101 H01R013/50 |
Claims
1. A connector head assembly for an electrical cable attached to
one or more receptacle connectors, the connector head assembly
comprising: an elongate overmold having a longitudinal extent that
is longer than a height or width thereof, wherein the elongate
overmold is configured to encase a terminal end of the electrical
cable coupled to the one or more receptacle connectors inside the
elongate overmold; and a pull tab pivotally attached to the
elongate overmold on an upper surface thereof, wherein a pulling
force applied to the pull tab is configured to separate the one or
more receptacle connectors from a receptacle in which the one or
more receptacle connectors are configured to be held.
2. The connector head assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongate
overmold and the pull tab are integrally formed such that the
pivotal attachment of the pull tab is formed as a living hinge
integrated into an outer surface of the elongate overmold.
3. The connector head assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongate
overmold and the pull tab are integrally formed such that the
pivotal attachment of the pull tab is formed as a living hinge
integrated into an outer surface of the elongate overmold.
4. The connector head assembly of claim 3, wherein the pull tab
pivots from an open position, in which the pull tab extends away
from the upper surface of the elongate overmold, to a closed
position, in which the pull tab extends parallel to the
longitudinal extent.
5. The connector head assembly of claim 4, wherein at least a
portion of the pull tab is configured to sit below the upper
surface of the elongate overmold when the pull tab is in the closed
position.
6. The connector head assembly of claim 1, wherein the pull tab is
formed as a separate part from the elongate overmold and releasably
attaches to the elongate overmold.
7. The connector head assembly of claim 1, wherein an attachment
portion of the pull tab slides onto a mating structure of the
elongate overmold, preventing relative movement between the
attachment portion and the elongate overmold in a direction
perpendicular to the longitudinal extent.
8. The connector head assembly of claim 7, wherein the pull tab
includes the attachment portion that is configured to remain
stationary relative to the elongate overmold, and a pivotal portion
that is configured to pivot relative to the elongate overmold.
9. The connector head assembly of claim 8, wherein the attachment
portion and the pivotal portion are integrally formed such that the
pivotal attachment of the pull tab is formed as a living hinge
attaching the attachment portion to the pivotal portion.
10. The connector head assembly of claim 8, wherein the pivotal
portion is configured to pivot into a closed position in which the
pivotal portion covers the upper surface and at least one side
surface of the elongate overmold.
11. The connector head assembly of claim 10, wherein the pivotal
portion includes at least one side wall, wherein the at least one
side wall is configured to sit below the upper surface of the
elongate overmold when the pivotal portion is in the closed
position.
12. The connector head assembly of claim 10, wherein the pivotal
portion includes two opposed side walls, wherein the two opposed
side walls are configured to sit below the upper surface of the
elongate overmold when the pivotal portion is in the closed
position.
13. The connector head assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongate
overmold is further configured to receive the electrical cable
through an aperture in a first end of the elongate overmold,
wherein the electrical cable is configured to extend through the
aperture, parallel to the longitudinal extent.
14. The connector head assembly of claim 1, wherein the elongate
overmold is further configured to hold the one or more receptacle
connectors extending from a bottom side of the elongate overmold
near a second end thereof that is opposed to a first end.
15. The connector head assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more
receptacle connectors are a USB-C power bank connector.
16. A connector head assembly for an electrical cable attached to
one or more receptacle connectors, the connector head assembly
comprising: an elongate overmold having a longitudinal extent that
is longer than a height or width thereof, wherein the elongate
overmold is configured to encase a terminal end of the electrical
cable coupled to the one or more receptacle connectors inside the
elongate overmold, wherein the terminal end of the one or more
receptacle connectors protrude from a first portion of an underside
of the elongate overmold in a direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal extent, wherein a second portion of the underside
includes a cavity configured to receive a portion of a finger for
applying a force in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
extent.
17. The connector head assembly of claim 16, wherein an arch on the
underside of the elongate overmold forms the cavity.
18. The connector head assembly of claim 16, wherein the width of
the elongate overmold is wider at the second portion than at the
first portion.
19. The connector head assembly of claim 16, wherein the connector
head assembly is configured to fit within a channel in a housing
base, wherein a lateral side of the elongate overmold includes a
key element configured to mate with a matching key element in the
channel of the housing base.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 63/036,241 entitled "Cable Pull
Tab" filed Jun. 8, 2020, the entire contents of which is hereby
incorporated by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Wireless communication technologies have been growing in
popularity and use over the past several years. This growth has
been fueled by better communications hardware, larger networks, and
more reliable protocols. Wireless and Internet service providers
are now able to offer their customers with an ever-expanding array
of features and services, such as robust cloud-based services.
[0003] To better support these enhancements, more powerful consumer
facing edge devices (e.g., consumer grade access points, IoT
gateways, routers, switches, etc.) are beginning to emerge. These
devices include more powerful processors, system-on-chips (SoCs),
memories, antennas, power amplifiers, and other resources (e.g.,
power rails, etc.) that better support high-speed wireless
communications and execute complex and power intensive applications
facilitating edge computing.
[0004] In addition to high performance and functionality, consumers
increasingly demand that their devices be affordable, future-proof
(e.g., upgradeable, highly versatile, etc.) and small enough to
readily placed throughout a home or small office. New and improved
cables, connectors and interfaces will be beneficial to consumers
and such consumer facing edge devices.
SUMMARY
[0005] Various embodiments include a connector head assembly for an
electrical cable attached to one or more receptacle connectors. The
connector head assembly may include an elongate overmold having a
longitudinal extent that is longer than a height or width thereof.
The elongate overmold may be configured to encase a terminal end of
the electrical cable coupled to the one or more receptacle
connectors inside the elongate overmold. The connector head
assembly may also include a pull tab pivotally attached to the
elongate overmold on an upper surface thereof. A pulling force
applied to the pull tab may be configured to separate the
receptacle connector from a receptacle in which the receptacle
connector is configured to be held.
[0006] In some embodiments, the elongate overmold and the pull tab
may be integrally formed such that the pivotal attachment of the
pull tab is formed as a living hinge integrated into an outer
surface of the elongate overmold. The elongate overmold and the
pull tab may be integrally formed such that the pivotal attachment
of the pull tab is formed as a living hinge integrated into an
outer surface of the elongate overmold. The pull tab may pivot from
an open position, in which the pull tab extends away from an upper
surface of the elongate overmold, to a closed position, in which
the pull tab extends parallel to the longitudinal extent. At least
a portion of the handle may be configured to sit below an upper
surface of the elongate overmold when the handle is in the closed
position. The pull tab may be formed as a separate part from the
elongate overmold and releasably attaches to the elongate
overmold.
[0007] In some embodiments, an attachment portion of the pull tab
may slide onto a mating structure of the elongate overmold,
preventing relative movement between the attachment portion and the
elongate overmold in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal
extent. The pull tab may include the attachment portion that is
configured to remain stationary relative to the elongate overmold,
and a pivotal portion that is configured to pivot relative to the
elongate overmold. The attachment portion and the pivotal portion
may be integrally formed such that the pivotal attachment of the
pull tab is formed as a living hinge attaching the attachment
portion to the pivotal portion. the pivotal portion is configured
to pivot into a closed position in which the pivotal portion covers
an upper surface and at least one side surface of the elongate
overmold. The pivotal portion may include at least one side wall,
wherein the at least one side wall is configured to sit below an
upper surface of the elongate overmold when the pivotal portion is
in the closed position. The pivotal portion may include two opposed
side walls, wherein the two opposed side walls are configured to
sit below an upper surface of the elongate overmold when the
pivotal portion is in the closed position.
[0008] In some embodiments, the elongate overmold may be further
configured to receive the electrical cable through an aperture in a
first end of the elongate overmold, wherein the electrical cable is
configured to extend through the aperture, parallel to the
longitudinal extent. The elongate overmold may be further
configured to hold the receptacle connector extending from a bottom
side of the elongate overmold near a second end thereof that is
opposed to the first end. The receptacle connector may be a USB-C
power bank connector.
[0009] In some embodiments, the elongate overmold may include a
longitudinal extent that is longer than a height or width thereof.
The elongate overmold may be configured to encase a terminal end of
the electrical cable coupled to the one or more receptacle
connectors inside the elongate overmold. The terminal end of the
one or more receptacle connectors may protrude from a first portion
of an underside of the elongate overmold in a direction
perpendicular to the longitudinal extent. A second portion of the
underside may include a cavity configured to receive a portion of a
finger for applying a force in the direction perpendicular to the
longitudinal extent.
[0010] In some embodiments, an arch on the underside of the
elongate overmold forms the cavity. The width of the elongate
overmold may be wider at the second portion than at the first
portion. The connector head assembly may be configured to fit
within a channel in a housing base, wherein a lateral side of the
elongate overmold includes a key element configured to mate with a
matching key element in the channel of the housing base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary
embodiments of the claims, and together with the general
description given above and the detailed description given below,
serve to explain the features of the claims.
[0012] FIGS. 1A-1C are a top perspective view, a bottom perspective
view, and a bottom plan view, respectively, of a consumer facing
edge computing device that could be configured to receive a
connector in accordance with various embodiments.
[0013] FIGS. 2A and 2B are component block diagrams illustrating
example computing architectures and components that could be
included in a consumer facing edge computing device configured to
receive a connector in accordance with various embodiments
[0014] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of a connector head
assembly for an electrical cable with a receptacle connector in
accordance with various embodiments.
[0015] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are perspective views of a connector
head assembly for an electrical cable with a receptacle connector
in accordance with various embodiments.
[0016] FIG. 4D is a side view of the connector head assembly in
FIGS. 4A-4C in accordance with various embodiments.
[0017] FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of a connector head
assembly for an electrical cable with a receptacle connector in
accordance with various embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 5D is a side view of the connector head assembly in
FIGS. 5A-5C in accordance with various embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a consumer facing
edge computing device that could be configured to receive a
connector in accordance with various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Various embodiments will be described in detail with
reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same
reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to
the same or like parts. References made to particular examples and
embodiments are for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to
limit the scope of the claims.
[0021] In overview, the embodiments include a modular wireless
communications system (e.g., edge device that provides Wi-Fi access
points, IoT gateways, etc.) that includes a baseline feature set,
and an expandable architecture that allows end users to add
specific features or functionality (e.g., digital concierge, home
assistant, etc.) to the system as needed. The modular wireless
communications system may expose systems buses and resources in a
manner that allows the device to be readily expanded. The modular
wireless communications system may include an electro-mechanical
interface such that system busses and resources may be readily
accessed and/or retro-fitted by the end user, after deployment, or
in the field. An interface plug may be connected to one of the
exposed electro-mechanical interfaces facilitating different
connection and interface options.
[0022] The various embodiments may include, use, incorporate,
implement, provide access to a variety of wired and wireless
communication networks, technologies and standards that are
currently available or contemplated in the future, including any or
all of Bluetooth.RTM., Bluetooth Low Energy, ZigBee, LoRa, Wireless
HART, Weightless P, DASH7, RPMA, RFID, NFC, LwM2M, Adaptive Network
Topology (ANT), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access
(WiMAX), WIFI, WiFi6, WIFI Protected Access I & II (WPA, WPA2),
personal area networks (PAN), local area networks (LAN),
metropolitan area networks (MAN), wide area networks (WAN),
networks that implement the data over cable service interface
specification (DOCSIS), networks that utilize asymmetric digital
subscriber line (ADSL) technologies, third generation partnership
project (3GPP), long term evolution (LTE) systems, LTE-Direct,
third generation wireless mobile communication technology (3G),
fourth generation wireless mobile communication technology (4G),
fifth generation wireless mobile communication technology (5G),
global system for mobile communications (GSM), universal mobile
telecommunications system (UMTS), high-speed downlink packet access
(HSDPA), 3GSM, general packet radio service (GPRS), code division
multiple access (CDMA) systems (e.g., cdmaOne, CDMA2000.TM.),
enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE), advanced mobile phone
system (AMPS), digital AMPS (IS-136/TDMA), evolution-data optimized
(EV-DO), digital enhanced cordless telecommunications (DECT), etc.
Each of these wired and wireless technologies involves, for
example, the transmission and reception of data, signaling and/or
content messages.
[0023] Any references to terminology and/or technical details
related to an individual wired or wireless communications standard
or technology are for illustrative purposes only, and not intended
to limit the scope of the claims to a particular communication
system or technology unless specifically recited in the claim
language.
[0024] The term "computing device" may be used herein to refer to
any one or all of quantum computing devices, edge devices, Internet
access gateways, modems, routers, network switches, residential
gateways, access points, integrated access devices (IAD), mobile
convergence products, networking adapters, multiplexers, personal
computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, user equipment (UE),
smartphones, personal or mobile multi-media players, personal data
assistants (PDAs), palm-top computers, wireless electronic mail
receivers, multimedia Internet enabled cellular telephones, gaming
systems (e.g., PlayStation.TM., Xbox.TM., Nintendo Switch.TM.,
etc.), wearable devices (e.g., smartwatch, head-mounted display,
fitness tracker, etc.), IoT devices (e.g., smart televisions, smart
speakers, smart locks, lighting systems, smart switches, smart
plugs, smart doorbells, smart doorbell cameras, smart air
pollution/quality monitors, smart smoke alarms, security systems,
smart thermostats, etc.), media players (e.g., DVD players,
ROKU.TM., AppleTV.TM., etc.), digital video recorders (DVRs), and
other similar devices that include a programmable processor and
communications circuitry for providing the functionality described
herein.
[0025] The term "quantum computing device" may be used herein to
refer to a computing device or edge device, whether it is a
standalone device or used in conjunction with current computing
processes, that generates or manipulates quantum bits (qubits) or
which utilizes quantum memory states. A quantum computing device
may enhance edge computing capability by providing solutions that
would be challenging to implement via conventional computing
systems. This is especially true with value added computing for
leveraging a diverse amount of sensor and other input data to
arrive at a solution in real time. Through unifying diverse data
sources a quantum computing solution at the edge may accelerate
machine learning, solve complex problems faster as well as provide
the fundamental platform for artificial intelligence nodes at the
edge of the network. With the vast array of data delivered by
sensors as well state information the quantum computing process may
improve the memory allocation though the use of superposition
allowing for more information to be simultaneously stored and
processed.
[0026] The term "edge device" may be used herein to refer to a
computing device that includes a programmable processor and
communications circuitry for establishing communication links to
consumer devices (e.g., smartphones, UEs, IoT devices, etc.) and/or
to network components in a service provider, core, cloud, or
enterprise network. For example, an edge device may include or
implement functionality associated any one or all of an access
point, gateway, modem, router, network switch, residential gateway,
mobile convergence product, networking adapter, customer premise
device, multiplexer and/or other similar devices.
[0027] The term "system on chip" (SOC) may be used herein to refer
to a single integrated circuit (IC) chip that contains multiple
resources and/or processors integrated on a single substrate. A
single SOC may contain circuitry for digital, analog, mixed-signal,
and radio-frequency functions. A single SOC may also include any
number of general purpose and/or specialized processors (digital
signal processors, modem processors, video processors, etc.),
memory blocks (e.g., ROM, RAM, Flash, etc.), and resources (e.g.,
timers, voltage regulators, oscillators, etc.). SOCs may also
include software for controlling the integrated resources and
processors, as well as for controlling peripheral devices.
[0028] The term "system in a package" (SIP) may be used herein to
refer to a single module or package that contains multiple
resources, computational units, cores and/or processors on two or
more IC chips, substrates, or SOCs. For example, a SIP may include
a single substrate on which multiple IC chips or semiconductor dies
are stacked in a vertical configuration. Similarly, the SIP may
include one or more multi-chip modules (MCMs) on which multiple ICs
or semiconductor dies are packaged into a unifying substrate. A SIP
may also include multiple independent SOCs coupled together via
high speed communication circuitry and packaged in close proximity,
such as on a single backplane, single motherboard or in a single
wireless device. The proximity of the SOCs facilitates high speed
communications and the sharing of memory and resources.
[0029] The term "multicore processor" may be used herein to refer
to a single integrated circuit (IC) chip or chip package that
contains two or more independent processing cores (e.g., CPU core,
IP core, GPU core, etc.) configured to read and execute program
instructions. A SOC may include multiple multicore processors, and
each processor in an SOC may be referred to as a core. The term
"multiprocessor" may be used herein to refer to a system or device
that includes two or more processing units configured to read and
execute program instructions.
[0030] FIG. 1A is a perspective view from the top of a modular
wireless communications system 100 that includes an LED/LID
component 102, a stackable housing 104 for encapsulating its
components (e.g., antenna, heatsink, processors, etc.), and a
housing base 106.
[0031] FIG. 1B is a perspective view from the bottom of the modular
wireless communications system 100 in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B illustrates
that the housing base 106 may include various connector ports 108,
110, 112 that may be used to couple the components within the
stackable housing 104 to other components. A channel 118 is also
formed, at the bottom of which are located two additional
connectors ports (e.g., 114, 116), which are visible in FIG.
1C.
[0032] FIG. 1C is a bottom view of the modular wireless
communications system 100 in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1C illustrates
that the housing base 106 with the connector ports 108, 110, 112
visible in FIG. 1B. Additionally, FIG. 1C includes a USB-C type
female connector port 114 and an auxiliary power port 116, which
may be used to couple the components within the stackable housing
(e.g., 104) to other components. In order to maximize space inside
the stackable housing, the housing base 106 includes the channel
118. However, due to the narrow nature of the channel 118, removal
of the connectors that get plugged into the USB-C type female
connector port 114 and the auxiliary power port 116 may be
difficult. Thus, various embodiments use customized connector head
assemblies, as described below with regard to FIGS. 1A-4D.
[0033] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an example computing system 200
that may be used with a modular wireless communications system 100
that include a connector port (e.g., port 108, etc.) configured to
receive a connector in accordance with the various embodiments.
[0034] In the example illustrated in FIG. 2A, the computing system
200 includes an SOC 202, a clock 204, and a voltage regulator 206.
The SOC 202 may include a digital signal processor (DSP) 208, a
modem processor 210, a graphics processor 212, an application
processor 214 connected to one or more of the processors, memory
216, custom circuitry 218, system components and resources 220, a
thermal management unit 222, and an interconnection/bus module 224.
The SOC 202 may operate as central processing unit (CPU) that
carries out the instructions of software application programs by
performing the arithmetic, logical, control and input/output (I/O)
operations specified by the instructions.
[0035] The thermal management unit 222 may be configured to monitor
and manage the device's junction temperature, surface/skin
temperatures and/or the ongoing consumption of power by the active
components that generate thermal energy in the device. The thermal
management unit 222 may determine whether to throttle the
performance of active processing components (e.g., CPU, GPU, LCD
brightness), the processors that should be throttled, the level to
which the frequency of the processors should be throttled, when the
throttling should occur, etc.
[0036] The system components and resources 220 and custom circuitry
218 may manage sensor data, analog-to-digital conversions, wireless
data transmissions, and perform other specialized operations, such
as decoding data packets and processing video signals. For example,
the system components and resources 220 may include power
amplifiers, voltage regulators, oscillators, phase-locked loops,
peripheral bridges, temperature sensors (e.g., thermally sensitive
resistors, negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors,
resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), thermocouples, etc.),
semiconductor-based sensors, data controllers, memory controllers,
system controllers, access ports, timers, and other similar
components used to support the processors and software clients
running on a device. The custom circuitry 218 may also include
circuitry to interface with other computing systems and peripheral
devices, such as wireless communication devices, external memory
chips, etc.
[0037] Each processor 208, 210, 212, 214 may include one or more
cores, and each processor/core may perform operations independent
of the other processors/cores. For example, the SOC 202 may include
a processor that executes a first type of operating system (e.g.,
FreeBSD, LINUX, OS X, etc.) and a processor that executes a second
type of operating system (e.g., MICROSOFT WINDOWS 10). In addition,
any or all of the processors 208, 210, 212, 214 may be included as
part of a processor cluster architecture (e.g., a synchronous
processor cluster architecture, an asynchronous or heterogeneous
processor cluster architecture, etc.).
[0038] The processors 208, 210, 212, 214 may be interconnected to
one another and to the memory 218, system components and resources
220, and custom circuitry 218, and the thermal management unit 222
via the interconnection/bus module 224. The interconnection/bus
module 224 may include an array of reconfigurable logic gates
and/or implement a bus architecture (e.g., CoreConnect, AMBA,
etc.). Communications may be provided by advanced interconnects,
such as high-performance networks-on chip (NoCs).
[0039] The SOC 202 may further include an input/output module (not
illustrated) for communicating with resources external to the SOC,
such as the clock 204 and the voltage regulator 206. Resources
external to the SOC (e.g., clock 204, etc.) may be shared by two or
more of the internal SOC processors/cores.
[0040] In addition to the SOC 202 discussed above, the various
embodiments may include or may be implemented in a wide variety of
computing systems, which may include a single processor, multiple
processors, multicore processors, or any combination thereof.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 2B, the computing system 200 may
include a type-C connector 232 and a stack connector 234, each of
which may correspond to and/or may be used in conjunction with the
connector ports 108-112 and 206 illustrated in FIG. 1B. In some
embodiments, the type-C connector 232 may be a standardized or
modified universal serial bus (USB) Type-C or USB-C.RTM. connector,
which may be 24-pin USB connector system that includes two-fold
rotationally-symmetrical connector.
[0042] The type-C connector 232 and/or stack connector 234 may
include interconnection/bus module with various data and control
lines for communicating with the SOC 202. The type-C connector 232
and/or stack connector 234 may also expose systems buses and
resources of a SOC 202 or computing device 200 in a manner that
allows the chip or computing system to attach to an additional unit
to include additional features, functions or capabilities, but
which preserves the performance and integrity of the original SOC
202 or computing device 200. The type-C connector 232 and/or stack
connector 234 may include proprietary or custom connector pin-outs
that allow for stacking interfaces and/or for the device to be
retrofitted after deployment to expand its capabilities. This
allows the device to have a longer life cycle, and for the
manufacturer to obtain additional revenues from accessory sales,
keep the baseline cost of the product down, and sell in a cheaper
market with the option to upsell later with additional add-on
features.
[0043] The type-C connector 232 and/or stack connector 234 may
include or control various system busses and data/control lines,
such as serial gigabit media-independent interface (SGMII),
universal serial bus (USB), peripheral component interconnect
express (PCIe), general-purpose input/output (GPIO), etc. The stack
connector 234 may also include links to a dual bidirectional
inter-integrated circuit (I.sup.2C) bus and SMBus voltage-level
translator (e.g., Level Trans 236) and various load switches.
[0044] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate a connector head assembly 300 for
an electrical cable 10 with at least one receptacle connector 20,
25 in accordance with various embodiments. The connector head
assembly 300 is configured to couple with the USB-C type female
connector port (e.g., 114 in FIG. 1C) and the auxiliary power port
(e.g., 116 in FIG. 1C). In particular, the connector head assembly
300 is configured to be more easily removed from the narrow channel
(e.g., 118) formed in the housing base (e.g., 106) through the use
of a pull tab 320 that is incorporated into or added onto the
connector head assembly 300.
[0045] Various embodiments provide a connector head assembly 300
for an electrical cable 10 attached to one or more receptacle
connectors 20, 25. The connector head assembly 300 may include an
elongate overmold 310 and a pull tab 320. Because the pull tab 320
may pivot relative to the elongate overmold 310, the pull tab 320
may provide better leverage for separating (i.e., by pulling) the
connector head assembly 300 from the housing base (e.g., 106). The
elongate overmold 310 may have a longitudinal extent that is longer
than a height or width thereof. Also, the elongate overmold 310 may
be configured to encase a terminal end of the electrical cable 10
coupled to the receptacle connector(s) 20, 25 inside the elongate
overmold 310. The terminal end of the electrical cable 10 is
situated at one end or extremity of the electrical cable 10.
[0046] The elongate overmold 310 and the pull tab 320 may be
integrally formed (i.e., formed together as one piece) such that
the pivotal attachment 322 of the pull tab 320 is formed as a
living hinge integrated into an outer surface of the elongate
overmold 320. As used herein, the term "living hinge" refers to a
thin flexible hinge integrally formed with and made from the same
material as the two more rigid pieces it connects. For example, an
inner portion of an otherwise continuous piece of material may be
grooved, weakened, or thinned such that two portions of the
otherwise continuous piece of material on opposite sides of the
inner portion may pivot relative to one another as the inner
portion bends. Alternatively, other forms of hinge-type structure
may be provided between the elongate overmold 310 and the pull tab
320 to provide a pivotal arrangement.
[0047] The pull tab 320 may include a handle 330 at a first end 331
that is remote from an opposed second end 332 where the pull tab
320 pivotally attaches to the elongate overmold 310. Also, the pull
tab 320 may pivot from an open position (see FIG. 3B), in which the
pull tab 320 extends away from an upper surface 318 of the elongate
overmold 310, to a closed position (see FIG. 3A), in which the pull
tab 320 extends parallel to the longitudinal extent of the elongate
overmold 310. At least a portion of the handle 330 is configured to
sit below an upper surface 318 of the elongate overmold 310 when
the handle is in the closed position.
[0048] In various embodiments, the elongate overmold 310 may be
further configured to receive the electrical cable 10 through an
aperture in a first end 331 of the elongate overmold 310. The
electrical cable 10 may be configured to extend through the
aperture in the first end 331, parallel to the longitudinal extent
of the elongate overmold 310. Also, the elongate overmold 310 may
be further configured to hold at least one receptacle connector 20,
25 extending from a bottom side of the elongate overmold 310 near a
second end 332 thereof that is opposed to the first end 331.
[0049] The elongated overmold 310 may also function as a strain
relief for cable 10 providing additional structural integrity. In
this way, without the elongated overmold 310, the cable 10 would
often be forced to form a ninety-degree bend since the cable 10 is
generally configured to extend perpendicular to an insertion axis
of the receptacle connectors 20, 25. Such bending in the cable 10
may strain and eventually break the outer sheathing Thus, the
elongated overmold 310 may prevent such strain and breaking.
[0050] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate a connector head assembly 400 for an
electrical cable 10 with at least one receptacle connector 20, 25
in accordance with various embodiments. The connector head assembly
400 is configured to couple with the USB-C type female connector
port (e.g., 114 in FIG. 1C) and the auxiliary power port (e.g., 116
in FIG. 1C). In particular, the connector head assembly 400 is
configured to be more easily removed from the narrow channel (e.g.,
118 in FIG. 1B) formed in the housing base (e.g., 106 in FIGS.
1A-1C) through the use of a pull tab 420 that is incorporated into
the connector head assembly 400. The connector head assembly 400
may include one or more of the features described above with regard
to the connector head assembly 300, described above with regard to
FIGS. 3A and 3B.
[0051] In some embodiments, the pull tab 420 may be formed as a
separate part from the elongate overmold 410 and releasably
attaches to the elongate overmold 410. The elongated overmold 410
also functions as a strain relief for cable 10 providing additional
structural integrity. The pull tab 420 may be formed by an
attachment portion 424 and a pivotal portion 426 connected by a
pivot joint 422. Also, the attachment portion 424 of the pull tab
420 may slide onto a mating structure 412 of the elongate overmold,
preventing relative movement between the attachment portion 424 and
the elongate overmold 410 in a direction perpendicular to
longitudinal extent of the elongate overmold 410. The pull tab 420
may include the attachment portion 424 that is configured to remain
stationary relative to the elongate overmold 410, and a pivotal
portion 426 that may be configured to pivot relative to the
elongate overmold 410. The attachment portion 424 and the pivotal
portion 426 may be integrally formed such that the pivotal
attachment of the pull tab 420 is formed as a living hinge
attaching the attachment portion 424 to the pivotal portion 426.
The pivotal portion 426 may be configured to pivot into a closed
position (see FIG. 4C) in which the pivotal portion 426 covers an
upper surface 414 and at least one side surface 416 of the elongate
overmold. At least one side wall 436 may be configured to sit below
an upper surface 414 of the elongate overmold 410 when the pivotal
portion is in the closed position (FIG. 4C). Two opposed side walls
436 may be configured to sit below an upper surface 414 of the
elongate overmold 410 when the pivotal portion 426 is in the closed
position.
[0052] In some embodiments, a position of the pivot joint 422 along
the longitudinal axis of the elongate overmold 410 may be aligned
with a centerline C of the receptacle connector 20. In this way,
when the pivotal portion 426 is in the open position, the pull tab
420 will apply a centerline force for more easily removing the
connector head assembly 400 from the receptacle (e.g., 114).
[0053] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate a connector head assembly 500 for an
electrical cable 10 with an overmold assembly 510 and at least one
receptacle connector 20, 25 in accordance with various embodiments.
The connector head assembly 500 is configured to couple with the
USB-C type female connector port (e.g., 114 in FIG. 1C) and the
auxiliary power port (e.g., 116 in FIG. 1C). In particular, the
connector head assembly 500 is configured to be more easily removed
from the narrow channel (e.g., 118 in FIG. 1B) formed in the
housing base (e.g., 106 in FIGS. 1A-1C) through the use of a
U-shaped recess 530 that is incorporated into an underside of the
connector head assembly 500. The U-shaped recess 530 may be used to
help remove the connector head assembly 500 after it is inserted.
The connector head assembly 500 may include one or more of the
features described above with regard to the connector head
assemblies 300 and 400, described above with regard to FIGS. 3A,
3B, and 4A-4D. The U-shaped arch 530, which is formed on an
underside of the connector head assembly 500, may have a distal
side 532 and a proximal side 534 that together form a cavity on the
underside of the connector head assembly 500. The U-shaped arch 530
may be sized to allow a user to get a finger under or into the
U-shaped arch 530, between the distal and proximal sides 532, 534,
to gain leverage on the connector head assembly 500 and remove it
from the USB-C type female connector port (e.g., 114) and the
auxiliary power port (e.g., 116). The cavity under the U-shaped
arch 530 may be sized and configured to allow a finger (e.g., a
thumb) to at least partially fit inside and pull up on the
connector head assembly 500 from an underside portion.
[0054] In some embodiments, the overmold assembly 510 may include a
narrow distal head portion 515 and a wider proximal end portion
520. The narrow distal head portion 515 is configured to fit within
the narrow channel (e.g., 118 in FIG. 1C) on the bottom of the
housing base (e.g., 106 in FIG. 1C). In contrast, the wider
proximal end portion 520 may not fit within the narrow channel In
this way, the wider proximal end portion 520 may be wider than the
narrow distal head portion 515 by a width difference 517. The width
difference 517 may create more surface area inside the U-shaped
arch 530, which may allow a user to gain better leverage in
separating the connector head assembly 500 from the housing base
(e.g., 106 in FIGS. 1A-1C). Also, that added material included in
the wider proximal end portion 520 may provide more rigidity to the
overall connector head assembly 500. In addition, the connector
head assembly 500 is configured to mechanical rigidity to the
connector. In addition, an upper surface of the overmold assembly
510 may include a ridge or gripping surface 505 that may also help
a user gain purchase on the overmold assembly 510.
[0055] In some embodiments, the connector head assembly 500 may
include a key 519, which may prevent inadvertent use with another
device. The key 519 may be a slot formed into in a lateral side of
the elongate overmold 510, and extending in a direction
perpendicular to longitudinal extent of the elongate overmold 510.
The narrow channel (e.g., 118 in FIG. 1C) on the bottom of the
housing base may include a complementary protrusion that is
configured to slide into and mate with the slot of the key 519.
Alternatively, the narrow channel may have the slot and the
elongate overmold 510 may include a mating protrusion configured to
slide into the slot.
[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates the connector head assembly 500 fully
seated (i.e., plugged into) the narrow slot 118 of the housing base
106, in accordance with various embodiments. The house base 106 may
additionally include a cable holder 120, which is a wire slot
configured to snuggly receive and hold the electrical cable 10
inserted therein.
[0057] The processors discussed in this application may be any
programmable microprocessor, microcomputer or multiple processor
chip or chips that can be configured by software instructions
(applications) to perform a variety of functions, including the
functions of the various embodiments described below. In some
devices, multiple processors may be provided, such as one processor
within an SOC dedicated to wireless communication functions and one
processor within an dedicated to running other applications.
Software applications may be stored in the device's memory before
they are accessed and loaded into the processor. The processors may
include internal memory sufficient to store the application
software instructions.
[0058] As used in this application, the terms "component,"
"module," "system," and the like are intended to include a
computer-related entity, such as, but not limited to, hardware,
firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or
software in execution, which are configured to perform particular
operations or functions. For example, a component may be, but is
not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an
object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a
computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a
wireless device and the wireless device may be referred to as a
component. One or more components may reside within a process
and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one
processor or core and/or distributed between two or more processors
or cores. In addition, these components may execute from various
non-transitory computer readable media having various instructions
and/or data structures stored thereon. Components may communicate
by way of local and/or remote processes, function or procedure
calls, electronic signals, data packets, memory read/writes, and
other known network, computer, processor, and/or process related
communication methodologies.
[0059] A number of different cellular and mobile communication
services and standards are available or contemplated in the future,
all of which may implement and benefit from the various
embodiments. Such services and standards include, e.g., third
generation partnership project (3GPP), LTE systems, third
generation wireless mobile communication technology (3G), fourth
generation wireless mobile communication technology (4G), fifth
generation wireless mobile communication technology (5G), global
system for mobile communications (GSM), universal mobile
telecommunications system (UMTS), 3GSM, general Packet Radio
service (GPRS), code division multiple access (CDMA) systems (e.g.,
cdmaOne, CDMA1020.TM.), enhanced data rates for GSM evolution
(EDGE), advanced mobile phone system (AMPS), digital AMPS
(IS-136/TDMA), evolution-data optimized (EV-DO), digital enhanced
cordless telecommunications (DECT), Worldwide Interoperability for
Microwave Access (WiMAX), wireless local area network (WLAN), Wi-Fi
Protected Access I & II (WPA, WPA2), and integrated digital
enhanced network (iDEN). Each of these technologies involves, for
example, the transmission and reception of voice, data, signaling,
and/or content messages. It should be understood that any
references to terminology and/or technical details related to an
individual telecommunication standard or technology are for
illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope
of the claims to a particular communication system or technology
unless specifically recited in the claim language.
[0060] Various embodiments illustrated and described are provided
merely as examples to illustrate various features of the claims.
However, features shown and described with respect to any given
embodiment are not necessarily limited to the associated embodiment
and may be used or combined with other embodiments that are shown
and described. Further, the claims are not intended to be limited
by any one example embodiment.
[0061] The foregoing method descriptions and the process flow
diagrams are provided merely as illustrative examples and are not
intended to require or imply that the operations of various
embodiments must be performed in the order presented. As will be
appreciated by one of skill in the art the order of operations in
the foregoing embodiments may be performed in any order. Words such
as "thereafter," "then," "next," etc. are not intended to limit the
order of the operations; these words are used to guide the reader
through the description of the methods. Further, any reference to
claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles
"a," "an," or "the" is not to be construed as limiting the element
to the singular.
[0062] Various illustrative logical blocks, modules, components,
circuits, and algorithm operations described in connection with the
embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic
hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly
illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software,
various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and
operations have been described above generally in terms of their
functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as
hardware or software depends upon the particular application and
design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans
may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each
particular application, but such embodiment decisions should not be
interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the
claims.
[0063] The hardware used to implement various illustrative logics,
logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with
the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed
with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP),
an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field
programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,
discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or
any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described
herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but,
in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional
processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A
processor may also be implemented as a combination of receiver
smart objects, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a
plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in
conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
Alternatively, some operations or methods may be performed by
circuitry that is specific to a given function.
[0064] In one or more embodiments, the functions described may be
implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination
thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as
one or more instructions or code on a non-transitory
computer-readable storage medium or non-transitory
processor-readable storage medium. The operations of a method or
algorithm disclosed herein may be embodied in a
processor-executable software module or processor-executable
instructions, which may reside on a non-transitory
computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium.
Non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage
media may be any storage media that may be accessed by a computer
or a processor. By way of example but not limitation, such
non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage
media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, CD-ROM or other
optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage smart objects, or any other medium that may be used to
store desired program code in the form of instructions or data
structures and that may be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc,
as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical
disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc
where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs
reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are
also included within the scope of non-transitory computer-readable
and processor-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a
method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of
codes and/or instructions on a non-transitory processor-readable
storage medium and/or computer-readable storage medium, which may
be incorporated into a computer program product.
[0065] The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is
provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the
claims. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles
defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without
departing from the scope of the claims. Thus, the present
disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown
herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the
following claims and the principles and novel features disclosed
herein.
* * * * *